US lawmaker introduces HIRE Act to double H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers
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Washington: The Indian American Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, has introduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, aiming to close the skills gap in the US by doubling the number of H-1B visas available annually from 65,000 to 130,000. The Act also seeks to boost funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to develop a highly skilled workforce within the country.
The move comes as more than 2,100 small and mid-size IT companies in the US, primarily owned and operated by Indian Americans, have urged lawmakers to increase the H-1B visa quota to address the severe shortage of skilled professionals in the country. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialised fields that require theoretical or technical expertise.
The association named ITServe held its first-ever in-person Congressional advocacy day, with its members gathering in the US Capitol to discuss the pressing issue of the highly skilled workforce shortage. They emphasised that the shortage is adversely affecting their businesses and the overall competitive advantage of the US. ITServe called for the increase of H-1B visas to 130,000 per year to meet the growing demand for skilled talent from countries like India and China. Additionally, the association advocated for higher investments in STEM education to develop a pool of highly skilled workers within the US.
HIRE Act aligns with ITServe's goals, intending to strengthen US competitiveness by bridging the skills gap through enhanced STEM education programs. The Act emphasises the need to attract the best talent from around the world to contribute to critical technology sectors and boost innovation.
Highlighting the importance of high-skilled workers, Vinay Mahajan, the president of ITServe Alliance, stressed the need to maintain the US's leadership in technology and innovation. He also underlined the vital role played by high-skilled IT professionals in the country's startup ecosystem.
The association represents more than 2,100 US IT companies, generating over 175,000 high-skilled employment across 23 states. They contribute significantly to the US GDP with a total contribution of US$12 billion.
ITServe's advocacy focused on the skill gap in the US and the need to attract talented individuals from around the world through high-skilled immigration. They believe that expanding the pool of technologists in the US is crucial to foster innovation and maintain the country's global leadership in technology.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi echoed the sentiment, asserting the necessity to increase the H-1B visa cap, which has remained at 65,000 for the past 33 years. He said the importance of attracting the best talent to the US to boost economic growth and competitiveness.
